Public transport fares have dropped to 50 cents per trip across Queensland as one of the state government’s boldest pre-election cost-of-living initiatives goes live just months before the election.
Commuters on Translink bus, ferry and train services will pay just half a dollar per trip for the next six months under a trial spruiked by the three-term Labor government to address economic pressures and keep money in Queenslanders’ hip pockets.
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The discounts will extend to the privatised airport rail line, where ticket prices have been halved under the scheme.
Airtrain fares will be cut to $10.95 for Go Card and smart ticketing users and $11 for paper ticket customers.
The Labor government is hoping cheaper fares will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and use public transport, with usage hovering around 13 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
Labor trails the Liberal National Party opposition in polling ahead of the October 26 election, with the trial part of the government’s cost-of-living relief measures in its bid to win a fourth term.
The initiative is expected to cost $150 million and will help the state government gauge where improvements to public transport access can be made.
Extra services have been slated amid a forecasted uptick in patronage.
“Your regular bus or train might be a little busier from today, but I want to assure Queenslanders that we will be keeping a close eye on our networks at every step,” Premier Steven Miles said.
Miles has flagged that a flat fare or reduced fare could become a permanent fixture if future public transport usage exceeds pre-COVID-19 levels.
The government is also providing $1000 energy rebates to all Queensland households over the next 12 months.